T.B.B.C.
BIBLE ACADEMY
STUDY GUIDE SHEETS
JUNE 2008
TOPIC:
“SECRETS”
I.
Definitions
A. Vines Complete Expository Dictionary
Secret (Old Testament)
1. sod – confidential plan; confidential talk. The word refers to
plans which one makes on one’s own and before they are
shared by others: Sometimes the word signifies simply a talk
about something that should be kept confidential;
Second, the word represents a group of intimates with whom
one shares confidential matters.
Secret/Secretly (Hebrew/New Testament)
1. kruptos – “secret/hidden”
2. krupto – “to hide”
3. apokruphos – “hidden”, “ kept secret”
B. Webster’ Dictionary
Secret (adjective)
1. Kept from public knowledge or from the knowledge of certain
persons.
2. Keeping one’s affairs to oneself; secretive; close.
3. Beyond general knowledge or understanding;
incomprehensible; deeply mysterious.
4. Concealed from sight or notice; hidden.
5. Something known only to a certain person or persons and
purposely kept from the knowledge of others.
6. Not revealed or understood, or explained; mystery.
7. The true cause or explanation, regarded as not obvious; as
“secrets” of success.
8. Without the knowledge of others, for whatever reason.
9. Covert implies a concealing as disguising or veiling.
10. Stealth implies to elude notice and often connotes deceit.
11. Clandestine suggests that what is being kept secret is an illicit,
immoral, or proscribed nature.
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Fracture (noun/verb)
1. A break or split
2. The characteristic manner of breaking
3. To break or crack
Expose (noun)
1. To allow to be seen; disclose; reveal; exhibit; display.
2. To make known; unmask.
II.
Discussion of “Secrets”
A. Introduction
“Secrets” are not always negative/bad/sinful. A “secret or secrets” can
actually be ordained or ordered by God. There were occasions when Jesus
gave specific instructions “ tell no one” (St. Matthew 8:4, St. Matthew 17:9)
are just to mention a few scriptures.
Secrets are sometimes necessary for the will of God to come to pass in
God’s prefect timing or season. For example, Jesus parents had to go to
Egypt, to hide, because Herod sought to kill Jesus (St. Matthew 2: 12 – 15).
Because Mary and Joseph were obedient God’s prefect will came to past for
Jesus’ life.
When we don’t utilize Godly wisdom to discern when “secrecy” is necessary
we are open for attack from the enemy. For example, Joseph endures much
tribulation because he shared with his brothers the dream God revealed to
him regarding his destiny of “greatness”. Sharing his dream with his
brothers provoked them to plot against God’s destiny for Joseph. There was
interference but it didn’t stop the plan (Genesis 37 - 48). Secrecy is
sometimes God’s plan to protect us from the enemy or harm because of the
anointed destiny or plan God has for our life.
Last month our lesson was “prayer”. We learned the purpose of “praying in
tongues”, our secret prayer language when speaking to God (I Corinthians
14), and our protection from the enemy.
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But then there are “secrets” that are destructive, harmful, evil, with selfish
motivation that fracture our relationship with God. Those types of secrets
are to be exposed in order for healing, restoration, deliverance and salvation
to take place.
III.
Destructive or Harmful Secrets
1. abortion
2. abuse (children, spousal, etc.)
3. addictions (alcohol, drugs, gambling, sex, pornography,
etc.)
4. adultery
5. bisexuality
6. criminal background/history
7. divorce
8. eating disorders
9. employment/financial status
10. fornication
11. homosexuality
12. incest
13. incarceration
14. identify theft/change of identity
15. lesbian
16. lies
17. marital status
18. murder/manslaughter
19. single incident multiple sex partners
20. pedophile
21. pose for nude photos
22. pregnancy out of wedlock
23. prostitution
24. rape
25. swingers life style
26. thief (larceny, burglary, embezzlement)
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IV.
The Ill Affects of Destructive/Harmful Secrets
Destructive or harmful secrets fracture or destroy relationships. Destructive
or harmful secrets victimize persons such as family, spouses, children,
friends, etc. These types of secrets leave person feeling deceived and
violated. Persons loose their trust of the person holding or carrying the
secret. There is even a dangerous consequence in being a party/participant
to destructive/harmful secrets. Just having the knowledge, of the secret or
knowing about it, can have the same consequences as the person who is the
owner of the secret.
V.
Relevant Questions:
A. How do I know when it is ok to keep something a “secret”?
You will know if it is ok to keep something a secret:
1. When given specific instructions, from God, via a dream or He speaks
into your spirit. God speaking into your spirit requires you being familiar
with the voice of God, this requires having a relationship with God
(Proverbs 11:13 and Ephesians 1:9 - 10).
2. Ask yourself the question “Does keeping this secret fracture my
relationship with God or violate the word of God”? Example, your secret is
adultery which conflicts with God’s word. In other words test the secret with
scripture or the word of God.
3. Ask yourself the question, “Is this secret for kingdom building or God’s
Plan?”
B. How do I free myself of a harmful/destructive “secret”?
1. Harmful/destructive secrets have to be exposed (I Corinthians 4:5, St.
Luke 8:17 and 12:2 -4) for healing, restoration, deliverance or salvation to
take place (read about David and Bathsheba II Samuel 11 – 12). Keeping
secrets gives power to those that know about the secret, over your life, the
ability to do you harm (read about Samson and Delilah Judges 15 – 16), as
well as living in constant fear the secret will be exposed.
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2. Pray for strength and guidance to do the right thing.
3. Seek professional Christian counseling, for support, if you’re having
difficulty owning or accepting responsibility.
VI.
Summary
In summary persons can be motivated to keep secrets out of: shame,
embarrassment, fear, selfishness, malice, evil intent, etc. A destructive or
harmful secret leaves us in a place of spiritual famine with God. Long term
in this condition will kill.
VII.
Conclusion
God desires us to be in right relationship with him and others. “Secrets” can
be life changing and may not ever allow relationships, with persons, to
resume as they previously were. The good news is that God loves us
unconditionally and it is first and foremost important to be restored in our
relationship with Him. Allow God to heal our relationship with others.
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RECOMMENDED READINGS
1. An Affair of the Mind – by Laurie Hall
2. Battered Into Submission: The Tragedy of Wife Abuse In The
Christian Home – by James Alsdurf & Phyllis Alsdurf
3. On The Down Low – by J.L. King
4. On The Up and Up: “A Survival Guide For Women Living
With Men On The Down Low” – by Brenda Stone Browler
5. Uprooting The Spirit of Fear – by Creflo A. Dollar
T.B.B.C. Focus Group Members; facilitator: Elder Joanne M. Howard, Pastor of Leadership Training & Development
Minister Teresa Bakerx
Minister Marquitta Whitehead
Elder Veda Pierce
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NLT Concordance for -secrets-
Search the Bible
Word or Verse
(secrets)
occurs 16 times in 16 verses in the NLT
Page 1 / 1 (Job 11:6 - 1Cr 4:5)
Line-By-Line Order: Reference Delimiters:
Reference-Verse
none—Jhn 1:1 KJV
Verse-Reference
square—[Jhn 1:1 KJV]
Separate Line
curly—{Jhn 1:1 KJV}
Verse Only
parens—(Jhn 1:1 KJV)
KJV
Range Options
Search the BLB
Other Options:
Abbreviate books
Quotes around Verses
Job 11:6
Psa 25:14
Psa 44:21
Pro 11:13
Pro 20:19
Isa 48:6
Jer 33:3
If only he would tell you
the secrets of wisdom,
for true wisdom is not a
simple matter. Listen!
God is doubtless
punishing you far less
than you deserve!
Friendship with the LORD
is reserved for those who
fear him. With them he
shares the secrets of his
covenant.
LexiConc
Search Options
FAQ Search
God would surely have
known it, for he knows
the secrets of every
heart.
Other Versions
(Notes)
A gossip goes around
revealing secrets, but
those who are
trustworthy can keep a
confidence.
KJV(10)
NKJV(9)
NIV(7)
ESV(8)
NASB(6)
RSV(8)
ASV(10)
YNG(13)
DBY(9)
WEB(11)
A gossip tells secrets, so
don't hang around with
someone who talks too
much.
HNV(9)
You have heard my
predictions and seen
them fulfilled, but you
refuse to admit it. Now I
will tell you new things I
have not mentioned
before, secrets you have
not yet heard.
Ask me and I will tell you
Search Results
(Notes)
Job(1)
Psa(2)
Pro(2)
Isa(1)
Jer(1)
Dan(1)
Mat(4) Luk(1)
1Cr(3)
Entire Bible
Featured Items
Today's Items:
some remarkable secrets
about what is going to
happen here.
Dan 2:28
But there is a God in
heaven who reveals
secrets, and he has
shown King
Nebuchadnezzar what
will happen in the future.
Now I will tell you your
dream and the visions
you saw as you lay on
your bed.
Mat 6:4
Give your gifts in secret,
and your Father, who
knows all secrets, will
reward you.
Mat 6:6
But when you pray, go
away by yourself, shut
the door behind you, and
pray to your Father
secretly. Then your
Father, who knows all
secrets, will reward you.
Mat 6:18
Then no one will suspect
you are fasting, except
your Father, who knows
what you do in secret.
And your Father, who
knows all secrets, will
reward you.
Mat 13:11
Then he explained to
them, "You have been
permitted to understand
the secrets of the
Kingdom of Heaven, but
others have not.
Luk 8:10
He replied, "You have
been permitted to
understand the secrets
of the Kingdom of God.
But I am using these
stories to conceal
everything about it from
outsiders, so that the
Scriptures might be
fulfilled: `They see what
I do, but they don't really
see; they hear what I
say, but they don't
understand.'*
1Cr 2:10
But we know these things
Day by Day by Grace
Daily Promise
Bible Reading
Morning & Evening Devotion
Items of Interest:
ISBE
Daily Bible Reading Program
NT Introductions
Sayings Not Found in Scripture
Scripture Difficulties
because God has
revealed them to us by
his Spirit, and his Spirit
searches out everything
and shows us even God's
deep secrets.
1Cr 4:1
So look at Apollos and me
as mere servants of
Christ who have been put
in charge of explaining
God's secrets.
1Cr 4:5
So be careful not to jump
to conclusions before the
Lord returns as to
whether or not someone
is faithful. When the Lord
comes, he will bring our
deepest secrets to light
and will reveal our
private motives. And
then God will give to
everyone whatever praise
is due.
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Blue Letter Bible. "Dictionary and Word Search for 'secrets' in the NLT".
Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2008. 20 May 2008. < http://
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m?Criteria=secrets&t=NLT >